Anybody who likes to do their own repairs, work as a worker, or just likes to keep things in good shape around the house needs to know how to use the most common hardware tools. There are many kinds of tools, and each one is made to do a certain job and make work easier, better, and faster. To help you put together a complete set of tools, here is a list of the main types of hardware tools and what they are used for.

1. Tools for the Hand

Hand tools don’t need to be powered, which makes them very useful for a wide range of jobs. You can find a variety of these essential hand tools at hardware store https://www.titanshardware.com.

Here are the most important hand tools to consider:

• Hammer: A hammer is one of the most common tools. It can be used to drive nails, break things, and make simple repairs. hook hammers are very useful because they have a hook that can be used to pull nails out.
• Screwdrivers: There are different kinds of screwdrivers, but the most popular ones are flat-head and Phillips-head. It’s helpful to have screwdriver sets because they let you use different types and sizes of screws.
• Pliers: It is possible to hold, bend, and cut lines with pliers. Needle-nose pliers are used for precise work, slip-joint pliers can be used for many things, and locking pliers keep things in place.
• Wrenches: There are different kinds of wrenches, like adjustable wrenches, combination wrenches, and socket wrenches, that can be used to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts.

2. Power Tools

For jobs that need more force, accuracy, or speed than hand tools can provide, power tools are a must. These tools can be charged by electricity or batteries and are great for heavy-duty work, building, and woodworking.

• Drill: A drill is an important tool that everyone should have. It’s used to make holes, drive screws, and do other general construction jobs. Corded drills give you steady power, while cordless drills are easier to move around.
• Jigsaw: A jigsaw is great for cutting metal, plastic, and wood in a way that isn’t straight or smooth. It’s popular for do-it-yourself jobs because it can cut a lot of different shapes.
• Circular Saw: A circular saw is a strong tool that can be used to cut big boards or panels in a straight line. It can be used on wood, metal, or plastic.
• Angle Grinder: You can cut, grind, and polish hard things like metal and stone with an angle grinder. It is often used in building and working with metal.
• Impact Driver: Unlike a regular drill, an impact driver is made to drive screws faster and with more power. This makes it perfect for working with tougher materials and bigger screws.

3. Tools for measuring and marking

No matter how big or small the job is, it needs accurate measurements. Tools for measuring and writing help you make sure your work is accurate, which lowers the chance of making mistakes.

• Tape Measure: You need a tape measure to find out how long, wide, or tall something is. To be useful, look for a tape measure that can be used with both metric and imperial numbers.
• Spirit Level: A spirit level helps you make sure that surfaces are straight and level. There are some levels that have digital screens that make them more accurate.
• Square: You can use a square to measure and mark right angles. People who work with wood and build things often use carpenter’s squares and try squares.
• Caliper: A caliper gives you very exact readings for precise measurements, especially on small objects or in small spaces.

4. Tools for cutting

Cutting tools are made to cut, shape, and change things made of metal, plastic, wood, and even cloth. They come in different shapes and sizes to fit different materials and cuts.

• Utility Knife: A utility knife is great for cutting thin materials like cardboard, vinyl, and plastic with great accuracy. To make things safer, look for tool knives that can be folded or retracted.
• Handsaw: When you want to cut wood by hand, you need a handsaw. Rip saws are great for cutting along the grain, while crosscut saws are better for cutting across the grain.
• Bolt Cutters: These heavy-duty cutters are great for cutting bolts, chains, and thick metal bars. Bolt cutters have long handles that give them more cutting power by letting you use force.
• Wire Cutters: These tools are made to cut lines and wires. It’s impossible to do electrical work without them; they make clean cuts.

5. Tools for Attaching

Fastening tools hold things together, which is very important in building, carpentry, and repair work.

• Nail Gun: Instead of using a hammer, nail guns are faster and easier ways to drive nails into wood and other materials. They are often used in building and framing.
• Staple Gun: A staple gun is a great tool for attaching cloth, insulation, or furniture. They can be operated by hand, by electricity, or by air pressure.
• Rivet Gun: A rivet gun is used to use nails to hold things together. It is often used in construction, car repair, and working with metal.
• Screw Gun: A screw gun is like a drill, but it’s only used for driving screws. It’s very useful for building jobs that need to do a lot of screwing, like putting up drywall.

6. Tools for clamping

Clamping tools help keep things in place so that you can cut, drill, and glue with more accuracy and stability.

• C-Clamp: C-clamps are flexible clamps that are often used to keep things together while welding or cutting them.
• Bar Clamp: Bar clamps are great for woodworking jobs that need to securely hold together large surfaces.
• Pipe Clamp: Pipe clamps are strong clamps with extra reach that are often used for wooden furniture and big projects.
• Spring Clamp: These clamps are great for small projects or when you need to hold things together briefly because they are light and easy to use.

7. Tools for gardening and outside

These tools help with everything from digging and planting to keeping green spaces in good shape. They are necessary for anyone working in the yard or on landscaping projects.

• Shovel: For digging holes, moving dirt, and other gardening work, you need a good shovel. You can scoop with a square shovel, and you can dig with a pointed shovel.
• Pruners: For cutting plants, shrubs, and small twigs, you can use pruners. This type of pruner works best on live plants, while this type works best on dry branches.
• Rake: You need a rake to pick up leaves, level the ground, and move mulch around. Both garden rakes and leaf rakes are useful, so get both to have a complete set of tools.
• Hose and Sprinkler: You need a good hose and sprinkler device to water plants and keep lawns healthy.

8. Safety gear and gear to protect

Safety gear is an important part of any toolbox because it keeps you from getting hurt while using tools and machines.

• Gloves: Work gloves keep your hands safe from chemicals, cutting tools, and sharp items. Pick gloves that are right for the job, like heavy-duty leather gloves for working with big objects or nitrile gloves for working with chemicals.
• Glasses: When you wear safety masks, dust, dirt, and chemicals can’t get into your eyes. For extra safety, choose types that wrap around.
• Protection for your ears: Power tools make a lot of noise, so get some earplugs or earmuffs to keep your hearing safe.
• Dust Mask or Respirator: To protect your lungs, you need to wear a dust mask or respirator when working on projects that make dust, fumes, or chemicals.

If you have a variety of hardware tools, you can do many things, from simple home repairs to more difficult do-it-yourself jobs. Build your toolkit up based on your wants and projects, starting with the most important things. Remember that buying good tools and knowing how to use them properly not only makes you more productive, but it also makes every project safer and more fun.